Tonali struggles but Gonzalez impresses as Newcastle win 2-0 at Tottenham
Newcastle United defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 29 August 2026, with Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa on the scoresheet. BBC Sport's player ratings for the match noted Sandro Tonali struggled while Nico Gonzalez earned high marks.
Sandro Tonali joined Spurs from Newcastle United in a deal worth up to £100m earlier this summer, and BBC Sport published individual ratings for both sides after the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The ratings piece sets out assessments for starters, substitutes and unused players, and includes user-submitted averages for each score.
Antonin Kinsky (5) had little to do in the first half but could only watch as Elanga's shot went in off the post after the break and as Wissa's improvised effort made it 2-0. Archie Gray (5) was praised for effort though questions were raised about his best position at right-back. Micky van de Ven (6), making his first start of the season as captain, picked up an early booking but produced a crucial sliding challenge to deny Wissa inside the box. Jan Paul van Hecke (6) recovered to block a Joe Willock attempt, helped Spurs bypass Newcastle's press with his comfort in possession and went close with a header.
Andy Robertson (5) carried threat in the first half but could not prevent Amar Dedic winning the header that set up Elanga's goal. Rodrigo Bentancur (5) was credited with breaking up play and regaining possession on multiple occasions. Sandro Tonali (4) was described as having a shaky start, still building fitness, being at fault in the build-up to both goals and receiving cheers from away supporters as he was substituted. Mateus Fernandes (5) made his first Premier League start for the club, delivered problematic corners, and was noted for a positive approach.
Pedro Porro (5) played further forward on the right, saw a shot blocked by Lewis Hall and had a dipping volley go just over. Omar Marmoush (6) was a late addition to the starting XI, hit the side netting with a volley, and produced a smart reverse pass that created an opening for Robertson. Mathys Tel (4) had a powerful effort saved but frustrated supporters with turnovers. Substitutes Kudus (on 68 for Tel) (5), Moore (on 68 for Gray) (5), Udogie (on 68 for Robertson) (5) and Dominic Solanke (on 75 for Tonali) (5) were all given 5s; unused Spurs subs were Dubravka, Senesi, Gallagher, Bergvall and Davies.
Lukas Hornicek (7) made several saves to deny Tel, Robertson and van Hecke when Newcastle were under pressure, and his stop from van Hecke's header prompted an animated reaction from head coach Matthias Jaissle. Amar Dedic (7) was highlighted for another strong all-round display little more than a week-and-a-half into his Newcastle career and his headed knock-down set up the opening goal, with Tino Livramento facing increased competition for his place. Malick Thiaw (6) captained in Dan Burn's absence and engaged in a physical battle with Marmoush, while Sven Botman (6) appeared more assured following a difficult pre-season.
Lewis Hall (7) produced a last-ditch block to prevent Porro shooting in the first half and was described as defensively solid. Nico Gonzalez (8) received top marks for an impressive debut, keeping his composure after a booking and supplying a long cross-field pass that contributed to Elanga's goal. Lewis Miley (7) was noted for his ball retention. Anthony Elanga (7) scored his second goal in two games with a smart turn and a finish off the post and drew vocal support from the travelling fans. Joe Willock (5) was less effective as a starter than he had been off the bench, though he won a loud cheer for a strong challenge on Tonali. Harvey Barnes (5) failed to replicate midweek cup form, and Yoane Wissa (7) sealed the victory with a clever overhead kick after leading the line; substitutes Sean Steur (on 71 for Gonzalez) (7) and Nick Woltemade (on 71 for Willock) (7) were credited for their contributions, while unused Newcastle subs were Jaouen, Schar, Bamba, Toure, Murphy, Ramsey and Shahar.
After the opportunity to rate players closed, BBC Sport displayed scores that represent the average from all user submissions.
